Kohima, July 20 (MTNews): The five-day Students’ Exchange Program between Madhya Pradesh and Nagaland under Azaadi Ka Amrir Mahotsav-Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharat (AKAM-EBSB) concluded today. The closing ceremony was held at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Nagaland in Chumoukedima. During the five days’ visit, the students from MP were taken to various places to experience and explore the rich culture and traditions of the Nagas, besides taking site-seeing tours to historic places, important institutions and tourist destinations.
The students from MP also had interactive sessions with students from Nagaland and invited them to visit Madhya Pradesh in the near future. Madhya Pradesh and Nagaland were paired together under the AKAM-EBSB, an initiative by the Ministry of Education and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), New Delhi that aims to enhance interaction and promote mutual understanding between people of different States and Union Territories through the concept of State/Union Territory pairing.
During their stay, the students were taken to see Khonoma in Kohima district, which is the first green village in India. Feedback from some of the students stated that when they went to see Khonoma, “it was like heaven and the place was beyond beautiful.” They stated that with its scenic beauty, the natural environment and the fresh air, it was an experience they will remember for a lifetime. One of the experiences that the student found interesting was the traditional method of cooking where they said they were amazed to find that food can taste so good even without adding the prime ingredients that is a must for cooking in their state.
On the handlooms and handicrafts of Nagaland, the students said they were intrigued by the varied colors and patterns and added that they loved the stories behind all that. On their visit to the Chompu Museum at Sovima in Dimapur, they said they were taken back in time to see all the ancient items being displayed there. Speaking about the indigenous people of Nagaland, the students were of the opinion that the people are very friendly, polite, humble and helpful.
Describing their journey as “wonderful, memorable and an eye-opener,” the students said if they were given a chance, they would definitely come back to Nagaland. Emphasizing that many people are not aware of the beautiful and quiet state that is situated in Northeast India, the students said they will tell the story of Nagaland when they go back home. The activities of the visiting students also included site visitation to Agriculture University (SASRD) Medziphema and the Organic Market in Dimapur.